Manually add multilingual content using CSV

Genstore’s import/export feature gives you full control over your store's localization. By using CSV files, you can manage custom translations in bulk without relying on third-party automated translation apps.

Quick take

• Manual input: The system does not generate translations automatically; you must provide the content yourself.
• Bulk efficiency: You can export and import multiple languages at once. Each language uses its own unique CSV file.

Key technical limitations

To ensure a successful upload and avoid system errors, please keep these requirements in mind:

Feature	Requirement
Supported content	Text only. Images, videos, and audio files cannot be translated via CSV.
Editable fields	Modify only the Translated content column. Changing other columns will break the import.
File naming	Do not rename the files. The system uses the filename (e.g., fr.csv) to identify the target language.
File structure	Use one CSV per language. Do not attempt to merge multiple languages into a single file.
Language status	You can only import translations for non-default languages already added to your store. This refers to any language that is not your current primary store language.
Formatting	Use comma-separated values. If using Excel, ensure the delimiter is a comma, not a semicolon.
Software choice	Avoid WPS Office. We recommend Microsoft Excel (saved as UTF-8 with BOM).

Understanding the CSV file format

Your exported file contains specific columns designed to keep your data organized. Accuracy here is vital for a successful sync:

Column name	Description	Example	Editable
Type	The resource category	Products, Blogs, Menus	❌
ID	The unique system identifier for that item	prod_12345	❌
Field	The specific attribute being translated	title, body_html	❌
Default content	Your store's original text in the primary language	"Summer T-Shirt"	❌
Translated content	Where you enter your new translation	"Camiseta de Verano"	✅

Important: Only modify the Translated content column. Changing other columns will result in an "Import Failed" error.

Detailed operation process

Step 1: Export your CSV files

1. Log in to your Genstore admin and go to Settings -> Languages.
2. Click the Export button.
3. Select languages:
   • Choose specific languages or select All Languages.
   • Each language will download as a separate file.
4. Select content: Choose specific modules (like "Products") or All contents for a full site translation.
5. Click Export. Once finished, download your files from the Task center.

Step 2: Add your translation content

1. Open your CSV in Microsoft Excel (recommended) or other spreadsheet software.
2. Enter your translations strictly within the Translated content column.
3. Save the file as a CSV. Remember: Keep the filename exactly as it was when downloaded.
4. Special note:
   • Do not merge the files. Each language must have its own CSV file.
   • Display issues: In some cases, your exported CSV may contain HTML entities (such as ") which include semicolons. This may cause columns to render incorrectly in certain spreadsheet programs.

Step 3: Import your CSV files

1. Navigate back to Settings -> Languages.
2. Click the Import button.
3. Drag and drop your CSV file(s). You can upload multiple files for different languages at the same time.
4. Click Confirm import.
5. Monitor progress in the Task center. If any rows fail, download the failure details to see which lines need correction.

FAQs

Q1: What types of content can I translate through this feature?

A: You can translate text-based content including product information (titles, descriptions, meta tags), blog posts, navigation menus, and discount campaign details.

Q2: Can media files be translated via CSV import?

A: No. This feature only supports the translation of text content. Media files like images or videos must be managed separately.

Q3: Can I export CSV files for multiple languages at the same time?

A: Yes. If you select All languages or check multiple specific languages, the system will generate a unique CSV file for each language for easier batch processing.

Q4: Can I import multiple languages at once?

A: Yes. You can select and upload multiple CSV files for different languages simultaneously. The system automatically identifies the target language for each file based on its filename.

Q5: Can I upload multiple CSV files for a single language?

A: No. Each language should only have one corresponding CSV file. Uploading multiple files for the same language may cause import conflicts.

Q6: What should I do if my CSV import fails?

A: If an import fails, please:

• Ensure you haven't modified any columns except for Translated content.
• Verify the CSV format and ensure the delimiter is a comma.
• Check that the filename remains unchanged.
• Look for duplicate files for the same language.
• Download the error report in the Task Center for specific guidance.

Q7: Can I export and modify the default store language?

A: No. The export tool is strictly for non-default languages (translations). To change your primary store language, edit the content directly on the product or page editor.

Q8: Can I combine all languages into one CSV file?

A: No. Each CSV file must correspond to a single language. Merging them prevents the system from correctly mapping the translations to the storefront.

Q9: Is it okay to rename the exported files?

A: No. Filenames contain essential language identifiers (e.g., en.csv or zh.csv). The system relies on these names to correctly identify and import the data.

Q10: Will an error in one file stop the entire bulk upload?

A: No. The system processes each file independently. If one file fails, it will not affect the others. You can fix the specific failed file using the details in the Task Center and re-upload it.